Nova ready to do her bit for election
Nova Mercer and her ‘‘not glamorous’’ 1994 Honda Civic are at the democratic ready.
Inspired by her own voting, the Wallaceville resident decided she wanted to offer transport help to Upper Hutt people who might find getting to a polling booth on election day a tough ask.
‘‘I voted early and I had the thought that this is cool, you feel like you’re part of the bigger system,’’ the 30-year-old said.
‘‘It is one of the few things that is open to all New Zealanders.’’
Mercer followed up and detailed her idea on Neighbourly, offering a free lift ‘‘to any polling station in the Upper Hutt area on September 23’’.
‘‘Let me know the time you’d like to go and I will pick you up and take you there and take you home again,’’ the post said.
‘‘I’m not affiliated with a party and don’t care who you vote for and won’t ask. I just think it’s important that anyone who wants to can vote in this election.
‘‘People need to feel like they matter,’’ the government employee said.
‘‘Not everyone has a car or is mobile enough to get there.
‘‘There’s a lot of elderly people around my area.’’
A few days out from the country’s decision day, Mercer remains unsure how busy - or otherwise - she will be on election day.
‘‘I’ve had offers of other drivers who will help if needed which was nice.
‘‘But we’ll see. If no one comes forward that’s great and if they do well that’s great too,’’ she said.
‘‘And if 50 people do, well, I’ll rent a van.’’
Any election day passengers can indicate if they are dogfriendly voters too.
Mercer’s dog Lucy is always looking to travel where ever her owner goes but, in true democratic stye, if that does not suit any locals talking up the trans- port offer she’ll be left behind.
After all it’s all about getting the main job done.
Anyone wanting election day transport can message Nova Merc’ on Neighbourly or contact The Upper Hutt Leader 5897630 or email: colin.williams@fairfaxmedia.co.nz